The Future in Flight Podcast

 🎧 Episode Summary
Ever wonder what makes those glass screens in airplane cockpits actually work? This episode takes you inside the world of avionics with Zach Fryar from Sarasota Avionics and lead technician Mat Davis. From a humble corner of a Venice, Florida hangar with three guys and broken radios, Sarasota Avionics has grown into one of the Southeast's most respected shops. But this isn't just a business success story—it's about the people who make modern aviation possible and why avionics might be the perfect career path for tech-savvy young people.
 
We also go behind the scenes with Jacob Peed, Editor-in-Chief of AviNation USA Magazine, as they gear up for Sun and Fun 2026. Plus, in our Vintage Aircraft Spotlight, we explore the massive Convair B-36 Peacemaker—a 10-engine beast that could fly around the world without stopping and helped define the Cold War era. Whether you're curious about cutting-edge cockpit technology or aviation history, this episode shows how the past, present, and future of flight all connect.
 
 ✨ Key Points
🔧 Modern avionics is more than just screens—it's integrated systems that require skilled techs who are part engineer, part detective
💼 Avionics careers are future-proof with aging workforce and increasing technology complexity creating huge opportunities
📱 If you can use an iPhone, you can probably master modern glass cockpit systems like Garmin's GTN and G1000
📰 Aviation USA Magazine connects aviation stories from contributors aged 8 to 78, proving everyone has a story worth telling
✈️ The B-36 Peacemaker had a 230-foot wingspan, 10 engines, and could carry nuclear weapons—but never dropped a bomb in combat
 
 🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — 1:21 | Introduction: From Corner Hangar to Aviation Empire
1:21 — 2:25 | The Culture That Builds Craftspeople
2:25 — 4:52 | What Avionics Actually Is: Systems Thinking
4:52 — 7:07 | The Glass Revolution and Garmin's Dominance
7:07 — 9:29 | Career Paths: Why Avionics Needs You
9:29 — 11:56 | The Future of Automation vs. Human Pilots
12:00 — 19:21 | Aviation USA Magazine and Sun and Fun Preview
19:21 — 25:42 | Vintage Spotlight: The Convair B-36 Peacemaker
 
🔗 Links & Resources
Sarasota Avionics: sarasotaavionics.com
AviNation USA Magazine: avinationusa.com
Sun and Fun Fly-In: flysnf.org
National Museum of the US Air Force (B-36 location): nationalmuseum.af.mil

🎧 Episode Summary
What if aerospace students could take their classroom equations and turn them into real, flyable aircraft designs—without ever cutting balsa wood or stepping into a wind tunnel?
In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Amir Kosh and Gordon McClymont to explore ST Engineering Antycip’s IT FLIES—a groundbreaking design-build-fly competition powered by high-fidelity, physics-based simulators.
Unlike traditional competitions, students don’t just design aircraft on paper—they fly them in professional-grade simulators and receive real-time feedback from experienced test pilots. From sixth-generation fighters to humanitarian aid drones, teams bring bold concepts to life and experience the full aerospace engineering cycle: briefing, flight testing, debriefing, iteration, and refinement.
With competitions hosted in the U.S. at University of Dayton and in the UK at Swansea University, IT FLIES is shaping the next generation of aerospace engineers by bridging theory and real-world application.
This episode dives into simulation fidelity, the power of iteration, the importance of engineer–pilot collaboration, and why feeling lift and drag—even virtually—changes everything.
If you’ve ever wondered how today’s students become tomorrow’s aircraft designers, this is the inside look you’ve been waiting for.
✨ Key Points
What Makes IT FLIES Different
Students design aircraft and fly them in real-time, physics-based simulators.
Professional test pilots evaluate each design.
The competition mirrors real aerospace development cycles.
Brief → Fly → Debrief → Revise.
Why Simulation Matters
Turns equations into physical motion.
Allows rapid iteration before major investment.
Prevents “negative training” from entertainment-based simulators.
Helps students feel aerodynamics instead of just calculating it.
Lessons Students Learn
Iteration is essential to engineering success.
Communication between engineers and pilots is critical.
Not every bold design works—but every flight teaches something.
Real-world aerospace is collaborative, not siloed.
Competition Highlights
Hosted twice yearly (U.S. and UK).
Open to international university teams.
Awards for Best Flight Performance, Best Presentation, and Most Innovative Design.
Winning university holds the traveling trophy until the next competition.
Careers & Real-World Impact
Students have earned internships following the competition.
IT FLIES strengthens resumes with practical, applied experience.
Participants gain exposure to real aerospace industry processes.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 1:17 | Introduction: What is IT FLIES?1:18 – 5:00 | Origins of the Competition & Why Simulation Matters5:01 – 10:57 | The Test Pilot Perspective: Real-World Design Cycles10:58 – 16:26 | Aerodynamics Comes to Life: Feeling Lift & Drag16:27 – 20:17 | Design Surprises & Iteration in Action20:18 – 23:56 | Skills That Translate to Aerospace Careers23:57 – 28:30 | International Competitions: U.S. & UK28:31 – 32:09 | Awards, Innovation & Student Experience32:10 – 39:52 | Fun Questions: Dream Aircraft, Destinations & Flight Legends39:53 – End | Final Reflections: Iteration, Courage & the Future of Aerospace
🔗 Links & Resources
IT FLIES Competition (ST Engineering Antycip):https://steantycip.com/events/
AviNation USA:https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media:https://creativerelaymedia.com/
Blue skies, smart designs, and remember—great aircraft aren’t built in a single pass. They’re built through iteration, collaboration, and the courage to test your ideas.
 

🎧 Episode Summary
What if aerospace engineering students didn’t just design aircraft on paper—but actually watched real test pilots fly their creations? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes you inside IT FLIES, an innovative international design-build-fly competition where students bring their aircraft concepts to life in high-fidelity simulators used in real-world aircraft development.
We hear from competition leaders and test pilots about how simulation transforms abstract aerodynamics into hands-on experience—and why iteration, feedback, and collaboration between engineers and pilots mirrors the real aerospace industry.
Then, Shawn sits down with Nate Ehlers—C-17 instructor pilot, airline captain, and founder of the Backseat Pilot training system. Nate shares his unconventional path through civilian training, regional airlines, and the Air Force Reserve, proving that persistence beats rejection every time. From landing with light gun signals after a radio failure to building a tool that’s helped thousands of CFIs save time and money, his story is one of innovation born from challenge.
Finally, we break down one of aviation’s universal languages: V-speeds. From V1 and rotation to maneuvering speed and landing reference speeds, this segment demystifies the “cheat codes” that keep pilots safe and aircraft performing at their best.
This episode is about bridging theory and reality, turning obstacles into opportunity, and understanding the language of flight.
Thank you to our partners:✈️ AviNation USA – https://www.avinationusa.com/🎙️ Creative Relay Media – https://creativerelaymedia.com
✨ Key Points
IT FLIES: From Theory to Test Flight
International aerospace design-build-fly competition.
Students code aircraft concepts into high-fidelity, physics-based simulators.
Real test pilots brief, fly, and debrief student designs.
Emphasizes iteration, feedback, and real-world engineering practices.
Hosted in the UK (Swansea University) and the U.S. (University of Dayton).
Awards include best performance, presentation, and innovation.
Nate Ehlers’ Aviation Journey
Childhood dream inspired by his grandfather, a WWII B-29 flight engineer.
Earned a business degree before pursuing flight training.
Flew regionals, joined the Air Force Reserve (C-17 Globemaster III).
Served 12 years as a C-17 pilot and instructor.
Landed via light gun signals after a radio failure—sparked idea for reference tools.
Founded Backseat Pilot to provide editable CFI lesson plans and training resources.
Mission: Double student confidence and halve the time to CFI readiness.
Key lesson: Highly motivated students outperform naturally talented but unmotivated ones.
C-17 Flying Highlights
Tactical departures and steep climb profiles.
Assault landings into short fields.
Night air refueling and low-level mountain flying.
Instructor role focused on risk management and real-world decision-making.
V-Speeds: The Language of Flight
“V” may derive from vitesse (French for speed).
Standardized speeds used worldwide.
White Arc: Flap operating range (VSO to VFE).
Green Arc: Normal operating range (VS1 to VNO).
Yellow Arc: Caution range (smooth air only).
Red Line: VNE (Never Exceed).
Critical takeoff speeds: V1 (decision), VR (rotation), V2 (safety climb).
Climb speeds: VX (best angle), VY (best rate).
VA (maneuvering speed) decreases as aircraft weight decreases.
Landing speeds: VREF, VAP, VLE, VLO.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction: Engineering meets real-world flight2:00 – Inside IT FLIES: Simulation, iteration, and test pilots9:30 – Why iteration matters in aerospace design11:30 – AviNation USA spotlight12:30 – Meet Nate Ehlers: From business grad to C-17 pilot15:30 – Tactical flying the C-1716:30 – The radio failure that sparked Backseat Pilot18:00 – Rethinking CFI training19:00 – Motivation vs. talent in aviation21:00 – V-Speeds explained: The cheat codes of flight27:00 – Landing speeds and final safety insights29:00 – Closing reflections and call to action
🔗 Links & Resources
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/Backseat Pilot: https://backseatpilot.com/ (Use code FIFPOD for 20% off)
IT FLIES Competition: https://steantycip.com/events/it-flies-usa-2026/

🎧  Summary
In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Staerker welcomes Robbie Sturdivant and Yuri Milner from Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss their unique approach to flight training and the success stories that have emerged over their 25 years in business. They delve into the advantages of training in Oklahoma's diverse weather conditions and bustling airspace, which prepares pilots for real-world challenges. Riverside Flight Center's student-first philosophy, commitment to high standards, and focus on creating well-rounded, safe, and competent pilots are highlighted throughout the conversation.
The discussion explores Riverside Flight Center's structured part 141 training program, their emphasis on visual flight training before introducing advanced technology, and the value of their in-house maintenance program. Robbie and Yuri share insights into how they address the pilot shortage by attracting both domestic and international students, fostering a positive learning environment, and offering a $25 discovery flight to break down barriers to entry. This episode provides valuable information for aspiring pilots and anyone interested in the future of flight training.
✨ Key Points
Strategic Location: Oklahoma offers diverse weather and busy airspace, ideal for comprehensive training.
Student-First Approach: Riverside Flight Center prioritizes student success with structured training and personalized attention.
In-House Maintenance: On-site maintenance ensures high safety standards and well-maintained aircraft.
Comprehensive Training: A blend of traditional methods and modern technology prepares pilots for various aviation careers.
Addressing Pilot Shortage: Focus on domestic students and accessible discovery flights help grow the pilot community.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
 
   0:00 — 0:25 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center and the Flight Training Landscape
   0:26 — 1:16 | Location and Environment: Flying in Tulsa, Oklahoma
   1:17 — 3:00 | Advantages of Training in Oklahoma's Weather and Airspace
   3:01 — 4:08 | 25 Years of Success: Yuri's Vision for Riverside Flight Center
   4:09 — 5:56 | Riverside Flight Center's Training Philosophy and Part 141 Structure
   5:57 — 7:44 | Student-First Approach: Yuri's Philosophy on Flight Training
   7:45 — 9:15 | Addressing the Pilot Shortage: Domestic vs. International Students
   9:16 — 12:10 | A Typical Day at Riverside Flight Center: Concurrent Flight and Ground Training
   12:11 — 13:53 | Aircraft and Technology: Foundational Visual Flight Training
   13:54 — 16:16 | Simulation and Advanced Training: Integrating Technology
   16:17 — 17:01 | Success Stories: Pilots Flying Worldwide
   17:02 — 19:15 | Measuring Success: The Impact of Riverside Flight Center Graduates
   19:16 — 21:43 | Maintenance Program: On-Site Maintenance and Safety Standards
   21:44 — 23:47 | Examining Authority: Benefits for Students
   23:48 — 26:41 | Motivation and Positivity: Maintaining High Success Rates
   26:42 — 28:46 | Student Focus: Skills for Success in Flight Training
   28:47 — 31:58 | Fun in Aviation: Discovery Flights and Introductory Experiences
   31:59 — 34:20 | Overcoming Challenges: Focusing on Education and Excellent Pilots
   34:21 — 35:30 | Riverside Flight Center's Commitment to the Aviation Community
   35:31 — 37:10 | Connecting with Riverside Flight Center: Contact Information
   37:11 — 39:19 | The Future of Flight Training: Adapting to Technology and Regulations
   39:20 — 41:38 | Favorite In-Flight Snacks and Dream Aircraft
   41:39 — 42:28 | Dream Co-Pilot/Passenger and Destination
   42:29 — 43:31 | Closing Remarks and Contact Information
   43:32 — 47:25 | Financing Challenges in Vocational Flight Training
   47:26 — 50:00 | Shift in Mentality: Vocational vs. Collegiate Training
   50:01 — 53:33 | Career Landscape: Opportunities Beyond Airlines and Final Thoughts
🔗 Links & Resources
Riverside Flight Center: riversideflightcenter.com
Riverside Flight Center Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFlightCenter/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

🎧 Episode Summary
In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Starker interviews J.J. Madison, a Harvard-educated writer, safety advocate, and author of "Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did." J.J. shares his circuitous path to aviation, which began with a childhood fascination with helicopters and eventually led him to mentorship from the Tuskegee Airmen. He discusses the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in aviation, as well as his mission to make aviation safer and more accessible through storytelling and the Victor Kilo Fund, which provides flight scholarships for under-resourced communities.
The conversation delves into J.J.'s experiences in various aircraft, from 19-seat turboprops to 737s, and his commitment to aviation safety, inspired by his time on an airline's aviation safety committee. J.J. emphasizes the value of sharing mistakes and learning from others' experiences, highlighting the role of NASA reports in promoting safety. He also touches on the future of aviation, including the potential of electric and hybrid aircraft and the increasing need for skilled aviation professionals from all backgrounds to maintain the integrity of the national airspace system.
✨ Key Points
🚁 J.J. Madison's unconventional journey into aviation, fueled by childhood dreams and mentorship from the Tuskegee Airmen.
📚 The importance of storytelling in aviation safety and education, as highlighted by J.J.'s book, "Yikes!"
🤝 The role of community and mentorship in supporting aspiring pilots, especially those from under-resourced communities.
💰 The Victor Kilo Fund's mission to provide flight scholarships and make aviation more accessible.
✈️ The future of aviation, including the potential of electric and hybrid aircraft and the need to address the skilled labor shortage.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — 0:14 | Introduction to J.J. Madison0:15 — 1:17 | Shawn Starker introduces the podcast and J.J. Madison's background1:18 — 3:50 | J.J. Madison shares his early experiences and path to aviation3:51 — 5:13 | Discussion about the opportunity to be mentored by the Tuskegee Airmen5:14 — 7:25 | Preparedness meeting opportunity and J.J.'s aviation experiences7:26 — 10:16 | Advice for people transitioning into aviation later in life10:17 — 11:09 | Importance of seeing representation in the pilot community11:10 — 13:35 | J.J. discusses the impact of living examples and the need for diverse representation in aviation13:36 — 14:05 | The skilled labor issue in aviation and the need for broadening the talent pool14:06 — 16:17 | J.J.'s interest in aviation safety and his work with NASA reports16:18 — 18:22 | The inspiration behind J.J.'s book and the Victor Kilo Fund18:23 — 19:07 | Show supporter: Flight Sunglasses19:08 — 20:18 | Details about the Victor Kilo Fund and flight scholarships20:19 — 21:11 | How to get involved with the Victor Kilo Fund21:12 — 23:07 | The power of stories in conveying messages about aviation safety and community building23:08 — 23:54 | Emphasis on the word "Yikes!" and expressive language in the cockpit23:55 — 26:48 | J.J. shares stories and experiences from his aviation career26:49 — 30:00 | More aviation stories and the importance of aeronautical decision-making skills30:01 — 31:15 | Discussing NASA reports and sharing "Yikes" moments31:16 — 31:29 | How to connect with J.J. Madison31:30 — 34:19 | The future of automation in aviation and the importance of jobs that AI can't replace34:20 — 35:33 | J.J.'s favorite in-flight snacks and the story behind the banana35:34 — 36:26 | J.J.'s dream aircraft36:27 — 37:50 | Who J.J. would choose to fly with37:51 — 40:01 | Closing remarks and takeaways
🔗 Links & Resources
Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did: http://www.yikesthebook.com/
Victor Kilo Fund: http://www.yikesthebook.com/
Aviation Safety Reporting System (NASA Reports): https://aviationsafetyreportingsystem.gov/
FLYTE Sunglasses: http://FLYTE.Aero/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

🎧 Episode Summary
This episode of "The Future in Flight Podcast" explores Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a flight school that has been quietly revolutionizing pilot training for 25 years. The episode highlights the school's impressive 90% completion rate, cost-effective vocational program, and unique approach to training, which emphasizes real-world conditions and a strong focus on student success. Yuri Milner, the founder, shares his philosophy of incorporating the best practices from other flight schools while eliminating the negatives.
The podcast also delves into a concerning trend in general aviation: the monetization of ADS-B data. It discusses how companies are tracking aircraft landings and charging fees, potentially penalizing pilots for safety-conscious decisions like aborting landings. Don Frano from StopADSB Abuse warns that this practice could lead to increased congestion, safety risks, and ultimately, the decline of general aviation, mirroring the situation in Europe.
Finally, the episode explores the historical origins of the commercial airline pilot uniform, tracing its roots back to Pan American World Airways and the desire to instill trust and professionalism in early aviation.
 
✨ Key Points
- 🚀 Innovative Flight Training: Riverside Flight Center's unique approach to pilot training, emphasizing real-world experience and student success, leads to a 90% completion rate and faster career paths.
- 📡 Safety-First Approach: Riverside Flight Center prioritizes safety by bringing maintenance in-house, using simulation strategically, and teaching students to accept feedback, ensuring competent and responsible pilots.
- ⚙️ ADS-B Data Concerns: The monetization of ADS-B data raises concerns about penalizing safety and potentially leading to the decline of general aviation, highlighting the need for pilot advocacy.
- 🛩️ Legacy of Flight: The commercial pilot uniform's nautical roots reflect a desire to convey trustworthiness and authority in the early days of aviation, a tradition that continues to influence the industry.
 
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — 0:30 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center
0:31 — 2:06 | Yuri Milner's Philosophy and Riverside's Success
2:07 — 2:57 | Location Advantages and Real-World Training
2:58 — 4:28 | Cost-Effective Training and Discovery Flights
4:29 — 6:00 | Safety Standards and Feedback
6:01 — 7:22 | Riverside's Impact and Yuri's Reward
7:23 — 9:18 | Conclusion of Riverside Segment and Introduction to ADS-B Concerns
9:19 — 10:50 | ADS-B Data Monetization and its Impact
10:51 — 12:24 | Consequences of ADS-B Fees and Safety Risks
12:25 — 13:41 | The Future of Aviation and Pilot Advocacy
13:42 — 14:46 | Conclusion of ADS-B Segment and Introduction to Cockpit Culture
14:47 — 15:55 | Early Aviation and the Need for Trust
15:56 — 18:00 | Pan Am's Naval-Inspired Uniforms
18:01 — 19:46 | Meaning of Pilot Stripes and Conclusion
 
🔗 Links & Resources
Riverside Flight Center: https://riversideflightcenter.com/
StopADSB Abuse: https://stopadsbabuse.com/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

🎧 Episode Summary
What’s the difference between flying a packed Boeing 737 on a fixed schedule and launching a Gulfstream on a moment’s notice for a CEO? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker breaks down the real-world differences between airline aviation and corporate aviation—from lifestyle and pay to schedules, autonomy, and long-term career flexibility.
The episode then shifts to safety, storytelling, and learning from mistakes with a deep dive into YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About Them by airline pilot and author J.J. Madison. Drawing from thousands of NASA Aviation Safety Reports, Shawn explores how pilots truly learn—through human error, honest reflection, and shared experience—and how one book is now funding real-world flight scholarships for underserved students.
The episode wraps up with a Vintage Aircraft Spotlight on the Bell X-1, the bright orange rocket plane that shattered the sound barrier in 1947. From Chuck Yeager’s broken ribs and broom-handle ingenuity to the sonic boom that changed aviation forever, this segment reminds us that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and pushing past the impossible.
This episode is about choices, consequences, and courage—whether you’re choosing a career path, learning from a mistake, or daring to fly faster than anyone ever had before.
✨ Key Points
Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Careers
Airline pilots operate under Part 121 with structured schedules, seniority-based bidding, and union protections.
Corporate pilots fly under Part 91 or 135, handling everything from flight planning to catering and customs.
Airline flying offers predictability and long-term job security; corporate flying offers flexibility, autonomy, and variety.
Airline pilots can earn up to $475,000+ at major carriers; top corporate pilots can earn $250,000+ at established operators.
Many pilots transition between the two paths over their careers—no choice is permanent.
Lessons from YIKES! by J.J. Madison
Pilots learn best through stories, not just procedures.
NASA Aviation Safety Reports allow pilots to share mistakes anonymously so others can learn without repeating them.
Fatigue, distraction, and human factors—not lack of skill—cause many incidents.
A go-around is never a failure; it’s good decision-making.
YIKES! turns real mistakes into safer skies and funds flight scholarships through the Victor Kilo Fund.
Aviation Access & Scholarships
YIKES! book sales have funded $5,000–$10,000 flight scholarships.
Scholarships support organizations like Eagle Flight Squadron and under-resourced flight and STEM programs.
Representation and mentorship play a critical role in bringing new voices into aviation.
Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The Bell X-1
First piloted aircraft to exceed Mach 1 in level flight (October 14, 1947).
Flown by Chuck Yeager, despite two broken ribs.
Rocket-powered, bullet-shaped design based on .50-caliber ballistics.
Reached Mach 1.06 on its first supersonic flight and Mach 1.45 in later missions.
Laid the groundwork for modern supersonic and experimental aircraft.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 5:30 | Airline vs. Corporate Aviation: Lifestyle, schedules, and pay5:31 – 7:59 | Choosing your aviation path & career flexibility8:00 – 13:20 | YIKES!: Learning from mistakes & NASA safety reports13:21 – 17:30 | Scholarships, mentorship, and aviation access17:31 – 18:54 | Why mistakes make better pilots18:55 – 25:00 | Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The Bell X-1 and breaking the sound barrier
🔗 Links
YIKES! The Book: https://www.yikesthebook.com
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com
 

🎧 Episode Summary
What happens when a lifelong passion for aviation, speed, and service collides with a legendary cross-country challenge? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Chris Holder of Concord Battery and Charlie Duffie of CJ Aviation to unpack an ambitious and heartfelt mission: a 31-hour Cannonball Run across the United States to raise $1 million for the Tango 31 Aero Club.
Chris and Charlie dive into the history of the Cannonball Run, the engineering and performance behind Charlie’s hand-built Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, and the logistics of attempting a coast-to-coast drive at speed—all while honoring the legacy of Kevin Lacey, founder of Tango 31. The conversation highlights how Tango 31 has transformed the lives of underserved youth by teaching them to build, maintain, and fly aircraft, producing pilots, A&P mechanics, and aviation leaders now working across the industry.
Beyond the car and the run, this episode is about giving back, sustaining aviation education, and creating a future pipeline of skilled professionals. With industry-wide support, major sponsors, and a growing wave of momentum, this Cannonball Run is more than an endurance challenge—it’s a mission to ensure Kevin Lacey’s vision lives on and expands nationwide.
Thank you to everyone supporting this effort and helping keep aviation dreams alive for the next generation.
✨ Key Points
The Cannonball Run for Tango 31 Aero Clube
A 31-hour coast-to-coast Cannonball Run honoring Tango 31
Southern Route: Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA
Goal: Raise $1 million to ensure long-term sustainability for Tango 31 Aero Club
The Mission Behind Tango 31
Founded by Kevin Lacey, aviation icon and mentor
Youth rebuild donated aircraft from the ground up, then learn to fly them
Alumni now include corporate pilots, A&P mechanics, and industry professionals
Funds will support insurance, travel, aircraft operations, and program growth
The Car & The Build
Hand-built Type 65 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe
480 horsepower, ~2,740 lbs, built for speed and endurance
Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s aviation and racing legacy
Designed for performance, safety, and long-distance comfort
Industry & Community Support
Sponsors include Concord Battery, Michelin, Lightspeed Aviation Headsets, and more
Strong backing from aviation manufacturers and distributors
Early commitments already exceeding $70,000
What’s Next
Teaser videos and updates rolling out on Concord Battery’s social platforms
Planned stop at Tango 31 in McKinney, Texas, with youth aircraft escorting part of the run
Car appearance (and possible drag race!) at Sun ’n Fun
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction & the 31-hour Cannonball concept0:45 – 4:39 | History of the Cannonball Run & route selection4:40 – 11:41 | Tango 31 Aero Club, Kevin Lacey’s legacy, and youth impact11:42 – 16:29 | Record times, strategy, and modern-day challenges16:30 – 22:30 | The Factory Five Type 65 Coupe: design, power, and performance22:31 – 27:30 | Logistics, fuel strategy, comfort, and endurance27:31 – 31:24 | Sponsors, fundraising, and how to get involved31:25 – End | Final reflections, legacy, and the future of Tango 31
🔗 Links
Tango 31 Aero Club (Donations via Zeffy): https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one
Concord Battery: https://www.concordebattery.com/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
BULBag: https://bulbag.com/

🎧 Episode Summary
What happens when a hand-built Shelby Daytona Coupe, a cross-country Cannonball Run, and a youth aviation nonprofit collide? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on an unforgettable journey where speed meets purpose and aviation becomes a force for generational change.
The story begins with Chris Holder (Concorde Battery Corporation) and Charlie Duffie (CJ Aviation)—two lifelong aviation enthusiasts undertaking a bold mission: driving a 408-horsepower Shelby Daytona Coupe coast-to-coast in just 31 hours to raise funds for Tango 31 Aero Club, a youth aviation program that has transformed dozens of young lives. Their run honors the legacy of Kevin Lacey, Tango 31’s founder, whose passion for mentoring underserved youth through aircraft restoration and flight training continues to inspire the aviation community after his passing.
From there, Shawn shifts gears—literally and figuratively—into aviation innovation, spotlighting Hartzell Propellers and their new Falcon Series, which brings century-old engineering expertise into the affordable aviation market by cutting propeller weight in half without sacrificing reliability.
The episode closes with a fascinating deep dive into one of aviation’s most important safety tools: the phonetic alphabet. Shawn unpacks its wartime origins, international testing, and why words like Alpha, Bravo, and Niner are carefully engineered to save lives in noisy cockpits and across language barriers.
This episode is about legacy, persistence, and community—and how aviation thrives when people refuse to let good ideas, or good people, be forgotten.
✨ Key Points
🏁 31 Hours for Tango 31
Chris Holder and Charlie Duffie attempt a Southern Cannonball Run from Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA.
Goal: 31 hours, symbolizing Tango 31 Aero Club.
Mission: Raise $1M to make Tango 31 self-sustaining after the loss of founder Kevin Lacey.
Tango 31 students rebuild donated aircraft and learn to fly them—many go on to aviation careers.
Over $70,000 in commitments pledged immediately after the mission was announced.
Ultimate vision: Expand Tango 31 into a nationwide model for youth aviation education.
🛩️ Giving Back Through Aviation
Kevin Lacey’s legacy lives on through the students he mentored.
Over 40 youth have gone through Tango 31 since 2017.
Alumni now work as pilots, A&P mechanics, and for companies like Cirrus Aircraft.
“No pressure, no diamonds” becomes the guiding philosophy of the mission.
⚙️ Hartzell Propellers & Affordable Aviation
Hartzell Propellers has been innovating since 1917.
The Falcon Series is designed for engines like the Rotax 916.
Weight reduced from ~40 lbs to ~20 lbs—major performance gains.
Mission-specific prop design supports LSA, kit aircraft, and modern sport flying.
OEM partnerships (CubCrafters, Van’s) can reduce costs for builders and pilots.
📡 The Aviation Phonetic Alphabet
Developed through WWII and finalized internationally by ICAO and NATO.
Designed to eliminate confusion across languages, accents, and poor radio quality.
Examples:
Alpha (ALFA) for global pronunciation
Tree, Fife, Niner for clarity
Used worldwide by pilots, ATC, emergency services, and beyond.
One of aviation’s most successful safety innovations.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 1:30 | Introduction: Speed, purpose, and aviation community1:31 – 9:40 | 31 Hours for Tango 31: The Cannonball Run mission9:41 – 11:00 | Honoring Kevin Lacey & the legacy of Tango 3111:01 – 16:20 | Hartzell Propellers: Century-old innovation meets modern flying16:21 – 22:30 | Propeller evolution, weight savings, and mission-based design22:31 – 33:30 | The aviation phonetic alphabet: History, safety, and global impact33:31 – End | Final reflections, community call-to-action, and closing thoughts
🔗 Links & Resources
Tango 31 Aero Club:https://www.t31aeroclube.com/
Concorde Battery Corporation:https://www.concordebattery.com/
CJ Aviation:https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/cj-aviation/
Hartzell Propellers:https://www.hartzellprop.com/
AviNation USA / Aviation Magazine:https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media:https://creativerelaymedia.com/
 

🎧 Episode Summary
In this high-energy interview, Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, discusses the common thread that links her diverse career background: people. From her early days in hospitality and dentistry to leading operations in aviation and manufacturing, Michelle explains how the philosophy of servant leadership has guided her success.
We explore how Levil Aviation is disrupting the avionics market with affordable, safety-enhancing equipment and the specific strategies Michelle uses to build a paperless, highly efficient workplace. The conversation also tackles the critical need for workforce development and how early exposure to trades can change the trajectory of students' lives.
➡️ Be sure to check out our newest show sponsor: BULBag USA!
⭐ Key Points
Servant Leadership: Being in the trenches with your team and focusing on their growth leads to a more resilient culture.
The Appreciation Gap: Utilizing the 'Five Languages of Appreciation' to recognize employees in the way they actually want to be seen.
Women in STEM: Overcoming industry biases by maintaining credibility and leading with knowledge.
Early Exposure: The importance of introducing middle schoolers to CNC machining and robotics before they choose a career path.
NORSEE Approval: A breakdown of how the FAA allows safety-enhancing equipment to reach pilots faster.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Michelle's diverse career journey00:54 - Servant leadership lessons from the dentistry world03:54 - Why workforce development energizes the team04:54 - Moving toward paperless and digital-first operations06:11 - Boosting morale through the Five Languages of Appreciation08:04 - Earning respect as a woman in aviation and manufacturing13:06 - Why middle school is the 'sweet spot' for trade exposure19:32 - Introducing Levil Connect: The future of data collection22:12 - Deep dive into the FAA's NORSEE approval process28:29 - Advice for building a professional network
🔗 Links & Resources
Levil Aviation Official Website
Creative Relay Media
AviNation
BULBag USA